MALBEC

This article was originally published at ilovewine.com,
which includes a link to the original article.

Malbec wine is a dry French red wine with full, rich taste.
It is renowned for its full-bodied flavour and notes of floral liquorice. The
name, Malbec, comes from the wine’s grape variety, originally from the South
West region of France. Malbec is among the six grape varieties that can be
mixed with Bordeaux grapes in the wine-making process.

The Viticulture of MalbecMalbec is among the most sensitive wine grape varieties. It
is susceptible to mildew, coulure, and rot if cultivated in the wrong
conditions. Malbec does well in high elevation, but cannot produce enough
acidity in low elevation. The best climate for Malbec is high elevation, where
the temperature swings dramatically from day to night.

Malbec grapes are best for wine when they have been grown to
a small yield. It is possible to cultivate Malbec to yield a high volume of
fruit, however, this has been shown to shallow and simplify the taste. So, the
best Malbecs are grown in smaller quantities.

Malbec by RegionMalbec produces the most reliable and high-quality grapes in
South West France (and Argentina). Though, quite different in their topography
and ecosystem, Malbec does well in a wide range of soil types. However, the
home of Malbec, in the South West of France, is filled with limestone-rich
soil. The combination of high elevation, varied temperatures, and high soil
acidity lend to Malbec’s dark, bold, tannic flavour.

Today, Argentina and France produce the most highly
recognised Malbecs in the world. Though California is among the three largest
producers, France and Argentina are considered the mainstays of Malbec. And all
Malbecs have very different flavours.

No matter the region of the world that your bottle of Malbec
comes from, there is a tell-tale sign of this wine. After taking your first sip
from a mine glass, if you see a light magenta colour around the rim, you’re
drinking a Malbec.

French MalbecFrench Malbec has a starkly different taste than that of
Argentinian Malbec. Whereas Argentinian Malbec demonstrates strong fruit
flavours, French Malbec presents prominent notes of currant, black plum,
savoury, and bitters. Secondary notes of the French Malbec include black pepper
and a distinctive spice.

French varieties have a much higher tannin percentage and a
lower alcohol content than that of Argentinians. The French Malbec’s
limestone-rich soil makes for the high acidity necessary to produce these
savoury notes, as well, as the French varieties plump grapes, as opposed to
Argentina’s smaller Malbec grapes.

French Malbec grapes have historically been used in
combination with Bordeaux grapes. Malbec provided the deep inky colour and
fruity notes to Bordeaux. Malbec is responsible for the full-bodied flavour of
many inexpensive red wine blends.

Malbec Wine and Food PairingsWhereas other rich, dry red wines, like Cabernet Sauvignon
and Pinot Noir, can have a long finish, Malbec does not. The light finish of a
Malbec makes it a great red wine to pair with lean meat and rich, savoury
foods.

● MeatsMalbec tastes great with lean red meats, like lamb and pork,
and, dark poultry meat, such as duck, chicken, and turkey. Drink a French
Malbec with beef, brisket, and BBQ ribs.

● CheesesFrench Malbec go well with semi-soft to hard cow’s cheeses.
Cheese with a strong aroma and sharp flavour go well with any Malbec. Try
Smoked Gouda, Pecorino, and Gruyere.

● Veggies,
Mushrooms and MoreSave the fruit. Malbec goes best with strong, savoury,
earthy tastes. Almost any vegetable tastes great with Malbec. In particular:
kale, chard, onion, beets, lentils, and arugula are good pairings.

French Malbec wines are particularly well paired to all
mushroom varieties, as well. The mushrooms distinctively earthy flavours can
shine through Malbec’s dark, sumptuous flavours.

● DessertsMalbec is perfect for pairing with desserts that are
chocolate based or vanilla based. The wines savoury fruit is less suited
towards fruity desserts, but can go nicely to accompany dark chocolate or milk
chocolate.